Tips for Hiring a Small Business Lawyer, Part Two

December 1, 2015by Raleigh Lawyer

Hiring Tips | Cary Small Business Lawyers

Finding Cary small business lawyers can be difficult, but it is an important step when starting a small business. You do not want to be stuck without a lawyer when you need one most. In this two-part series we are looking at questions you can ask a prospective lawyer to see if he or she is a good fit for you and your small business.

In the first part we asked general questions. Now let’s take a look at a few questions more tailored to small business law and potential issues that may arise as a business owner.

What experience do you have in small business law?

Ask for examples of cases or projects in small business law that he or she had handled to see if they are similar to your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask about other clients in the same field to make sure there will not be a conflict of interest. Lawyers are bound by client confidentiality, but if you do not feel comfortable being represented by someone who works for a competitor it is your choice.

Do you know people in the industry?

Connections are as important in law as location is in real estate. Knowing the ins and outs of the industry can be helpful in drafting contracts and working on a business plan. In addition, no one can know everything about one particular subject, so it is important to have connections that can answer questions or offer guidance when your lawyer does not have the answer. He or she should also be willing to refer you to someone if a specialized issue comes up that their firm is not able to handle.

What are the potential outcomes of my case/issue?

If you are looking for a lawyer for a particular matter, ask for all of the possible outcomes. You will want to know all of the scenarios for your problem. Will you have to go to court? How long will it take? Can it be settled out of court? Are there alternative ways to resolve it? What fees will be involved in each situation?

Have you worked on a case/issue like this before?

If you have a particular problem you are dealing with while you are looking for Cary small business lawyers, ask if he or she has dealt with it before. See how it was handled and if you would be satisfied with the outcome. All cases are different and have elements that can affect outcomes but it is good to get an idea of what you may encounter in your situation.

Do you want to work with me?

A lawyer interested in your business or particular case will be eager to talk with you about your needs and what he or she can do for you and your business. Be wary of someone who seems overworked and stressed out. You may not get the attention you need.

Once you feel confident that the Cary small business lawyers are those who can assist and represent you in legal matters, ask yourself if you like them. You will want to be comfortable with your lawyer so that you can communicate freely. Your lawyer is someone who will be part of the legal aspects of your business, so you want to make sure you can develop a strong level of trust with him or her.

Are you starting a small business? Get legal support from our Cary small business laywers. We can help you get your business off to a strong start by ensuring that your legal needs are met. In addition to business, consumer and contract laws, we can also handle intellectual property matters such as trademarking and copyrighting. Contact us to talk further.